Where can I buy Bitcoins with cash? This is a fairly common question in the crypto community — and maybe for some surprising reasons.
Of course, cash offers a simple way to make a purchase. But why do some prefer dealing in the Benjamins instead of using a credit or debit card? Well, it’s sometimes more than just a preference.
Whether you want to know your cash purchasing options or are just curious about how Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) help facilitate efficient cash transactions, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn more about buying Bitcoin (BTC) with cash, BTMs, and other cash-friendly Bitcoin purchasing options.
The jump from cash-to-Bitcoin transactions to BTMs is like the leap from early computers to smartphones. Over about a decade, acquiring the popular cryptocurrency went from “tech wizardry” to “normie-friendly.”
Nowadays, no matter where you are or your level of tech prowess, you can get your hands on Bitcoin (BTC) with cash.
Of course, it wasn’t always this easy.
Before Bitcoin ATMs started popping up on every corner, there were only a handful of ways to get a hold of Bitcoin. For those asking the question, “Where can I buy Bitcoin with cash?” these were their only options:
Back in 2016, BTMs were a novelty. In fact, the entire crypto industry was valued at around $8.6 billion* (data from coinmarketcap.com) — a minuscule fraction of what it is today.
There just wasn’t a demand for fast and efficient methods to purchase Bitcoin with cash.
But why focus on cash in the first place? For many in the Bitcoin community, cash is the only true way to keep things decentralized. Let’s explore.
So, why is cash a preferred buying option for crypto-enthusiasts? Well, there’s a few reasons:
Okay, so that was the “why,” but what about the “how?” If you’re wondering, “How do I buy Bitcoins with cash?” This section is for you.
Let’s explore your main options to purchase BTC with cash, spotlighting a few familiar methods.
These P2P platforms used to be the only reliable way to buy BTC with cash online. Well, online-ish. You still had to go initiate a bank transfer or deposit cash into a specific account in person.
While they are less popular than in the pre-BTM era, they still exist in some capacity.
Some of the most popular P2P platforms, like LocalBitcoins, are now closed* (learn more at coindesk.com). Even so, some exchanges will offer P2P trading and escrow services to facilitate these types of transactions.
Another option to purchase BTC with cash is through an old-fashioned, in-person deal. Think Facebook marketplace but for crypto. In most cases, these kinds of deals happen at local Bitcoin community meetups.
These community hangouts are fairly popular. In fact, you may have one in your city or area.
If buying in person sounds like your style, check out sites like Meetup.com* (link to meetup.com Bitcoin groups) to find a group near you. This type of transaction works how you might think: you pay in cash, and they send you your coins.
These days, answering the question, “Where can I buy Bitcoin with cash?” is easier than ever. That’s because BTMs are everywhere. At Bitcoin Depot, we operate a network of over 8,300 BTMs in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico (as of October 2024).
No matter where you are, you’re likely not too far from a convenient and fast purchase of BTC with cash.
BTMs are built for everyone. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to make a purchase. In most cases, all you need is your phone, your cash, and access to a BTM to get the job done.
Now you have the “why” and the “how,” but what about the “where?”
If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy Bitcoin with cash?” Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. You definitely have a few options to choose from, but we’ll focus on BTMs in particular. Why? Well, while you can use something like a P2P trading service, for most users, BTMs represent the most convenient and accessible way to purchase BTC with cash.
Plus, as the largest network operator in the BTM industry, you might say we're experts on the subject. Additionally, we also offer a service called BDCheckout™.
Instead of heading to a physical BTM location, BDCheckout™ allows our customers to purchase BTC with cash at the register of some of their favorite stores. It’s as easy as buying a gallon of milk. Just create a barcode in the Bitcoin Depot mobile app, scan at the register, hand over your cash, and watch your coins hit your wallet. Simple, right?
If you add up all the BDCheckout™ and Bitcoin Depot BTM locations, that’s almost 15,000 locations strong!
Our mission is simple: bring Bitcoin to the masses. Whether you’re in one of the 29 states that offer BDCheckout™ or just looking for a physical BTM location to purchase BTC with cash, Bitcoin Depot is always here to help.
Wondering, “Where can I buy Bitcoins with cash?” Well, now you have your answer.
While you have a few options to choose from, by and large, the most convenient and easy way to make a cash BTC purchase is using a BTM. These easy-to-use machines are widespread all across the world. Simply find your local BTM, follow the on-screen instructions, and purchase BTC in cash.
Here at Bitcoin Depot, we pride ourselves on not only operating the largest network of BTMs in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, but we also strive to bring you the best in customer service.
Head over to your local BTM or BDCheckout™ location today to experience it yourself!
*The information provided above is for informational purposes only. The inclusion of any particular 3rd party site does not imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership between Bitcoin Depot and the sites listed above. While Bitcoin Depot endeavors to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, we do not guarantee the reliability of any 3rd party’s information.